How many of us are perfecting our ventriloquist act? You know, the ability to make your voice appear to come from some inanimate object (such as a puppet). Many people are experts at ventriloquism and don't even realize it. What I am referring to is the number of people who are able to make their own voice come out of God. Almost all of us have this amazing ability to make God say what we want Him to say instead of listening to His divine voice.
For some this occurs when they read scripture. They want the Bible to say certain things or not say other things. We apply political correctness to the timeless truths until we hear our own voice coming out of the scriptures. It takes rigorous discipline to approach the Bible in as neutral and open-minded way as possible. Without such discipline we will certainly be performing ventriloquism before we know it.
Others confuse their own thoughts and desires for the will of God in their life. More and more I have heard of husbands who have left wife and kids because, "God wants me to be happy." Is it too politically incorrect to tell you that Malachi 2:16 says, "God hates divorce?" He hates it because it means somewhere in that relationship someone (maybe both someones) did not act Christ-like. It means that a covenant was broken. Maybe there was abuse? No doubt such a thing breaks God's heart. How dare people then say that God wants them to divorce? God wants them to run off with someone else? I don't think so. Quite an act of ventriloquism!
Finally, this can be done on a corporate level too. There are times when the church can get so mired in tradition, cultural practices, and particular interpretations/teachings that it will not listen to God's voice in the present. Maybe new teachings or cultural changes (that are acceptable) will be rejected meaninglessly. Leaders need to avoid replacing God's voice with their own.
My conclusions on the matter is that we are still caught up in the first sin. In Genesis satan tempted Eve by telling her she would be like God. We are still trying to be God. We are silencing Him and filling in our own voice instead. We are not being image bearers but image changers. Trying to make God in our image.
2 comments:
first I was like 'whaaaaaat?' Then I was like 'YES! You are SO RIGHT!'
It is sad.
But if they can block out God's voice, they can certainly block out yours and mine.
That is true Em and can seem very discouraging at times. Then I think of the parable of the sower and remember how many seeds never took root. I will still spread the Word and trust the Spirit to make the soil ready and God to make them grow!
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